| Wednesday, June 9, 2010 For Immediate Release |
Contact: Jesse Goldberg-Strassler ( 517) 485-4500 ext. 233 |
Fitzgerald hustles Chiefs past Lugnuts in 10, 2-1
PEORIA, Ill. – Hak-Ju Lee scored from third as D.J. Fitzgerald beat out Oliver Dominguez's attempt to turn an inning-ending double play and the host Peoria Chiefs (32-27) defeated the Lansing Lugnuts (31-27) in 10 innings, 2-1, on Wednesday night at O'Brien Field.
Lee led off the bottom of the 10th with a walk from reliever Brian Slover (2-1), who then committed a two-base throwing error on a pick-off attempt. Following a strikeout, the Lugnuts intentionally walked Matt Cerda, Cerda's fifth walk drawn of the game, to set up the potential of a double play with Fitzgerald coming up.
The strategy nearly succeeded. Fitzgerald sent a bouncer to shortstop Ryan Goins, but the Lugnuts were only able to successfully record the force out at second base as Lee scored the game-winner.
Chiefs right-hander Steven Grife (3-1) struck out the side in the top of the tenth inning to capture the victory.
Each team's starter, Dave Sever for Lansing and Rob Whitenack for Peoria, tossed five scoreless innings.
Lugnuts right fielder Brad Glenn's sacrifice fly broke the deadlock in the sixth inning.
In the seventh, Nelson Perez tied the score with a solo homer against Lansing lefty Aaron Loup, setting up the extra-inning drama.
The Chiefs go for the sweep on Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET, sending right-hander Nick Struck (2-5, 4.76) against Lansing right-hander Chad Jenkins (4-4, 3.48).
The Nuts return home on Tuesday, June 15th, for a doubleheader against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. Tickets to all Lansing Lugnuts home games are available for purchase online at www.lansinglugnuts.com, at the stadium box office, and by calling 517-485-4500.
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